Land In Sight

Ulukhaktok with the Shackleton on the right. The zodiacs are tiny to the left of the ship. 

We have just spent 4 days at sea looking at fog, nothing but fog and water. I did see a couple of birds while walking on deck. The capt pointed out Point Barrow as we passed. We saw fog. He also pointed out the smoking hills which have been burning for thousands of years, fog. While we were entertained onboard with excellent lectures about the northwest passage, northern Canada and polar bears, seeing fog for 4 days gets old. We were fed very well also of course. But this morning when we could almost see the sun, it was quite a relief!



Then the Earnest Shackleton came into view around noon. This ice breaker is usually stationed in Antarctica but is in the Arctic this summer to accompany us thru the passage. As well as keeping us safe, they are carrying all the equipment for our excursions. The 2 helicopters and dozen or so zodiacs were all out to great us. The excitement level on the ship went up considerably. It was nice to see land also! We are anchored just off Ulakhaktok, Northwest Territories in Canada. It looks a lot like the villages in Greenland without the bright colors. No one will be going ashore today but they will be bringing some native Inuit out to entertain us this evening. The cruise director told us that they get 2 hours to eat while onboard and they just go for it. Not easy to get the kind of food we offer in a place like this. We look forward to going ashore first thing in the morning. 

The weather is supposed to be sunny with a high of 52 tomorrow!! I do not think I will need the thermals I brought for this port. Walking on the deck has been very pleasant with little wind. Our first excursion, a community visit, is at 7:30 in the morning so being out on  the water on a zodiac will be cold. Once we reach shore though, it should be fine. 




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